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Former Astros pitcher, two-time World Series champion Justin Verlander to retire after 2026 season
By ESPN at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Justin Verlander, who has amassed three Cy Young Awards, two World Series championships and an MVP award in what undoubtedly is a Hall of Fame career, on Wednesday announced that he'll retire at the end of the 2026 season.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
Justin Verlander's decision to retire after the 2026 season will likely be met with a mix of sadness and celebration from Houston fans, who have watched him dominate on the mound and bring home two World Series championships. As a key figure in the Astros' recent success, Verlander's departure will be felt throughout the community, particularly among the loyal fan base that has rallied behind the team in recent years. His retirement will also spark discussions about his legacy and potential induction into the Hall of Fame, which could bring even more attention and pride to the city of Houston and the Astros organization. With Verlander set to play one more season, fans in Bellaire and the surrounding areas will have the opportunity to watch him in action and bid farewell to a legendary career.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Justin Verlander, who has amassed three Cy Young Awards, two World Series championships and an MVP award in what undoubtedly is a Hall of Fame career, on Wednesday announced that he'll retire at the end of the 2026 season.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ESPN at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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